Who is the best referee in the sport today? Many would say Arthur Mercante Jr. who has been the third man in the ring for many of boxing's classic fights including the Lennox Lewis/ Evander Holyfield brawl. Arthur is the son of boxing's all time best referee --- The late Arthur Mercante Sr. Let's go 12 rounds with Arthur. Enjoy!

David Tyler - Your impression of the Mayweather/ Mosley fight?

Arthur Mercante - I thought that Mosley could have done more when he had Mayweather hurt in the second round. He backed off and wasn't sure what to do after he had Floyd in trouble.

DT - Do you think that we will ever see a Mayweather/ Pacquiao fight?

AM - That's tough to predict. I personally think that Mayweather should not be concerned about all the blood testing for drugs. Every state does require that fighters undergo urine drug testing before and after fights.

DT - The best fighter that you have seen from your perspective as a boxing referee?

AM - Many great fighters but I would probably say Sugar Ray Leonard.

DT - Who do you consider the best fighter in the sport today?

AM - It's a tossup between Mayweather or Pacquiao. Hopefully we will find out in the ring who is best.

DT - The boxer you most enjoy watching today?

AM - Floyd Mayweather Jr.

DT - Your favorite boxer of all-time?

AM - Muhammad Ali.

DT - The best fight in which you were the third man in the ring?

AM - May 10, 1996---Lennox Lewis vs. Ray Mercer.

DT - Of all the boxing matches you have seen, which one can you view over and over again?

AM - March 8, 1971 -- Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier.

DT - If you could pick a fighter from today and match him against a fighter from the Glory Days, which fighters would you pick?

AM - Jake LaMotta against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

DT - What rule change would you most like to see boxing adopt?

AM - I'd love to see the commissions go back to where the referee scores the fight.

AM - If Mayweather ever fights Pacquiao it will help. It's the fight that all boxing fans want to see and the non-boxing fans would like to see this fight. We've also got to get back to having some good fights on one of the major networks on a weekly basis. I wish I had all the answers because I love the sport but regardless, boxing will survive.

Readers: Doghouse Boxing wishes to thank Arthur for his time and offer our condolences to the Mercante family on the recent passing of Arthur Mercante Sr. He will be missed by everyone in boxing as he set the standard for boxing referees with his honesty and integrity as the third man in the ring.

David Tyler

***David Tyler replies to all his e-mails and loves to hear from the readers. Comments, Questions, Suggestions, E-mail David now at:dtyler53@cox.net
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